Gm. This is Trust Me Bro 📰
Welcome back to your newsletter. This edition's takes:
State of Crypto 2024: The Bros TLDR ✍🏼
Orb App Update is Here 🚀
Guess the Movie Game Isn't Stopping 🎬
Curated Collects: Meet Eli Ankutse 🎨
Beer Taste: Zulia from Venezuela 🍻
State of Crypto 2024: The Bros TLDR ✍🏼
The 2024 State of Crypto Report, compiled by a16zcrypto, offers a comprehensive look into the key trends, developments, and challenges shaping the crypto space today.
The report highlights everything from the rise of stablecoins to the critical role crypto is playing in U.S. politics ahead of the upcoming election.
Below are the seven key takeaways from the report:
Crypto activity is at an all-time high – Over 220 million monthly active addresses were recorded in 2024, with Solana leading the surge in user adoption.
Crypto is now a political issue – Swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have shown increased interest in crypto ahead of the U.S. elections.
Stablecoins have found product-market fit – With $8.5 trillion in transactions this year, stablecoins have outpaced traditional payment systems like Visa.
Infrastructure upgrades have reduced costs – Layer 2 (L2) networks have drastically lowered transaction costs, fueling more onchain activity.
DeFi remains popular and growing – Decentralized finance continues to dominate with 34% of daily crypto activity.
Crypto and AI are merging – 34% of crypto projects now integrate AI, addressing challenges like decentralization.
New onchain applications are emerging – Scalable infrastructure is making NFTs, social networks, and gaming more accessible.
As we can see, the crypto space is rapidly evolving, with improved technology, growing political significance, and emerging use cases.
Are you bullish on crypto’s future? We ARE! Pst, if you want to read the full repor head over to this link
Orb App Update is Here 🚀
The highly anticipated Orb update launched last Friday, brought exciting new features designed to enhance user interaction and content creation.
Key updates include:
Chat Introduction Popup: A new feature to enhance user engagement.
Sticker Packs Revenue Claim Flow: Streamlined process for creators to claim their earnings.
Like Button Removed - No more likes possible on Orb (see next point, though)
Orb Stickers: Custom reactions implemented as NFTs, with revenue sharing for creators and NFT holders - replacing the likes!
Enhanced Notifications: In-app notifications for jams and sticker interactions, ensuring users stay updated.
Feature Highlights:
Jam Group Chats:
Jams have been revamped to offer a more interactive experience. The new whispering feature allows users to preview comments before they’re posted, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.This innovation sets a new standard for group chats in the space, making conversations more fluid and enjoyable.
Sticker Packs:
Orb introduces Creator Stickers for custom reactions, implemented as NFTs. Only NFT holders can use these Sticker Packs in Orb, with pricing starting at 1 USDC and increasing with each mint.Revenue is shared among creators, NFT holders, and the platform, ensuring fair compensation. This feature not only enhances user interaction but also empowers creators to monetize their work effectively.
Our Take
While removing the ‘like’ feature was a strong decision, it aims to enhance expression with stickers and filter out bot noise. Concerns about payment are noted, and free sticker packs are planned for the future.
With these advancements, Orb is set for mainstream adoption, making it an ideal platform for creators. These guys have balls, right?
Want to get involved? Submit your Sticker Packs here and join the fun, while generating revenue!
Guess the Movie Game Isn't Stopping 🎬
Our partners just hit a major milestone with their 60th game! Wow! With the introduction of Moxie Rewards, the excitement is at an all-time high.
So far, they’ve given away around 60,000 MOXIE, and there are only about 20,000 MOXIE left for the giveaway.
How to Earn MOXIE?
Play the game.
Click "share" and post the cast.
Moxie will be automatically added to your daily rewards.
Rewards are calculated based on two factors:
The number of players joining the game from your share.
Your Far Score.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Go follow @percs and @chinmay.eth, and dive into the fun! Play now to snag some $MOXIE before it’s all gone!
Want to Collab with Us?
Curated Collects: Meet Eli Ankutse 🎨
This week’s Curated Collect features Eli Ankutse, suggested by Eduard, and we couldn’t agree more—Eli is a standout!
Eli is a Fractional Brand Strategist, Editor, and Founder with expertise in business strategy, brand growth, and future-tech. His portfolio spans various creative ventures, including art, photography, and design.
Here are some of the exciting projects Eli is involved in:
Rosethorn Rose: Fractional brand strategy offering solutions for brand creation, product innovation, visual identity, and more.
Zora: Showcasing AI-based art focused on architecture, landscapes, and luxury cars.
Pelota: An online store for apparel bridging the gap between sport and leisure.
Creators Spotlight Grant: An initiative where Eli selects artists for a Curator Spotlight Grant (interesting 😂)
Artcoins Club: A community space on Lens to discuss and trade Artcoins, tokens tied to physical artworks.
Eli is also know for his weekend getaway posts, plus he even test-drove a Rolls Royce Spectre, talk about living the dream, innit? We could be here talking about Eli for ages, but the best is if you go check him out yourself.
Follow Eli’s journey on Lens, join his club here and explore his creative world through his Linktree.
Beer Taste: Zulia from Venezuela 🍻
Today, we’re exploring Cerveza Zulia, a beloved pilsner-style beer with a 4.5% ABV that has been refreshing palates since 1925. Brewed by Cervecería del Zulia, this beer is a true Venezuelan classic.
History
Founded in Maracaibo through the merger of several German companies, Cerveza Zulia has evolved through various ownerships, including a significant acquisition by AmBev in 2012.
Its iconic green bottle and distinctive engravings make it instantly recognizable.
Cultural Impact
More than just a beer, Cerveza Zulia has created platforms like ArteZanos, Zulia en Vivo, and CocinaZulia to engage with the community.
ArteZanos promotes urban art, CocinaZulia showcases national cuisine, and Zulia en Vivo supports local music talent.
What’s New
In 2022, Cerveza Zulia launched a limited-edition amber bottle, adding a vintage twist to its classic brew.
Ready for a taste? Grab one Zulia from below and enjoy a sip of Venezuelan heritage! Cheers 🍻
And that's it for this week!
Thanks for reading ♥
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